Air Quality

Air emissions and their human effect are of increasing concern in the UK and Europe, particularly in urban areas like London. The Thames offers an effective way to reduce emissions by carrying freight by water, where a load carried by multiple lorries, can be taken by one vessel, also moving the emissions away from vulnerable receptors.

As road engines become more efficient the focus is turning emission savings from vessels, while they will by volume be much more efficient, data is not available to evaluate the emissions from inland vessels and the impact on London and the wider Thames catchment.

The PLA is developing a port-wide air quality strategy with partners and in order to set relevant targets and encourage uptake; we undertaking a number of data collection activities in 2017. Read how we are progressing the projects so far by clicking here.